You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. You will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 55:12

ohmygosh! I knew it had been a while since I blogged! But in all seriousness, I had no idea it had been last February!!! I just looked at my last post, and wow. so long ago. Good grief, time passes quickly! I do feel a little like I’m new to this all over again. Like in the original beginning of this blog, when a good, dear, bossy friend told me he had started a blog for me. not kidding. I grin now, but was really scared to death then. I have nothing of value to say! Walking out in faith on a limb. And as my life continues to be busy, I really have less “hands on” mothering to do these days, yet still find little time to blog. Not sure exactly how that happens, except probably there is just less “me” time at home than there used to be. New seasons, new learning curves. (even now, I write this with some golf tournament on the tv, and a “commentator” in the leather recliner)

Thanks if there are any of you still out there. 🙂 Know that I have prayed for you just now, and asked God to profoundly stir your affections for Him, and motivate you more in His Word, and the Life He offers there, than ever before. May you find that you love Him more right now than you ever have before.

After so long a time away, you would think I would have a ton to say. Maybe. However, I want to leave you with just a thought or two. I hope to be back before another 7 months pass. I have found myself to cling tighter to the Lord than ever before as difficulties have come recently, and truly, have experienced the joy of the Lord, and His peace, even in the midst of troubles and challenges. I know that is not my doing. It is all Jesus. He. is. my. Life. I hope and pray that He is yours, too.

Greetings to you. I’ve had such a full life lately, in reality, that I’ve not had much time for this online life. Oh, I’ve kept up with Twitter somewhat, Facebook, and even pinned a few things on pinterest. Certainly read a few blogs. But this blog seems too looming most days,for me to find a quite place, and carve out some words of hope (or encouragement, or life, or even interest) on here. To type when the thoughts come. (which would require a moment of quiet and thinking skills at the same time!) I don’t want to make stuff up, for crying out loud. I just want to reflect some of what my God and I have enjoyed in the journey. I want to see Him active and working in my life, then share a bit of that here. Just in case it could encourage someone else. Today finally came, and I found that quiet time to think, and to type. And I’m grateful.

I’ve had a whole lot of teaching, Bible, and worship to take in lately. That means I’m certainly full of joy for the ways God is teaching me and sharpening me. Profound thoughts that I’d love to write about, but not ready yet. But I’ve also had those subtle moments of awe in Him, when I sense He is doing something really profound. The only problem is, at this point, I just have the observations, not the “moral of the story” yet. You know? But here’s the deal – in the last week, I’ve been fervently praying on a couple big things. However, they are at the opposite extremes of the cycle of life…..one prayer was for a baby being born into a dear friend’s life, and the other was (is) for a close loved-one of someone very dear to me, who was drawing closer to that time of passing into heaven. The irony of my prayers for one passing from womb to life on earth, while praying for the other passing from life on earth to eternity in the presence of God was not lost on me. And at this time, I’ve only seen the birth of the baby come to pass (with great joy in the family, and those who love them), not the promotion into heaven occur. Of course, we trust the Lord’s timing in all things. And of course, I’m still praying. For both. Anyone who has had a new baby in the house knows that prayer needs just multiply, not fade away. (grin) But bed-side ministry is truly hard, especially at such a tender time. So I’m praying for my loved one, and her loved one with much love, and compassion as one who has been there before.

This morning I was stuck with another thought, as I did something as routine and mundane as pull a few weeds in my yard after my morning run. We had experienced some storms, and rain overnight, and those weeds were super-easy to pull out, roots and all, the ease coming from the moist ground – such a beautiful thing (and answered prayer!) after months and months of drought. That could be another whole post on it’s own – the power of rain in a drought ridden land….). Made me so happy inside to pull up those weeds, deep roots and all. (i know – lame, but true. simple pleasures.) As I realized the beautiful satisfaction of such a simple task, I also realized the powerful moment that in this very same morning, my dear friend who married her love last night was having anything but a routine, and mundane morning.

*She. was. starting. a. new. life. *

As I reflected on this bride’s beauty, and importance in my life, I prayed for her as she awoke next to the man of her dreams for the first time ever. And they began their first full day sharing life together. It just seemed so very poetic. and profound. and SO FAR from my normal Saturday morning. I loved the way my day began. as I’m sure my friend loved hers. They just seemed a full spectrum of significance apart from each other. One day many many years ago, I too had awakened next to the man of my dreams for the very first time. Somehow, thinking on that day so long ago, made me appreciate my today all the more. My normal today, and my friend’s extraordinary one. And happiness in both extremes. I guess it really comes down to being at peace where you are. Not wishing for extraordinary when you have normal. And certainly, when living a season of extraordinary, reveling in it, and not wishing for more routine.

Being in the moment you are in, with full presence.

It’s a beautiful thing, to simply be content. So, friends, that is what I pray for you today. Contentment where you are. A real reminder of Philippians 4:10-14, “I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”

I am just now back to “real life” for a day or two before heading to the Dome for Passion 2012. Christmas was amazing, delightful, and all that one could ask for, except for missing my firstborn and his beautiful wife. Loved the cooking, baking, giving, receiving, running, worshipping, visiting, pondering our baby Jesus, and so much more. But when I try to think of a way to really express my joy over the holidays, I come up short. Max Lucado doesn’t seem to lack the vocabulary. I share a few of his words here. for you. Have a great end to this 2011, and a beautiful start to 2012. talk to you soon. God’s richest blessings to you……

The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.

The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

We reminded ourselves that Jesus came as a babe, born in a manger.

I’d like to suggest that we remind ourselves he still comes.

He comes to those as small as Mary’s baby and as poor as a carpenter’s boy.

He comes to those as young as a Nazarene teenager and as forgotten as an unnoticed kid in an obscure village.

He comes to those as busy as the oldest son of a large family, to those as stressed as the leader of restless disciples, to those as tired as one with no pillow for his head.

He comes and gives us the gift of himself.

Sunsets steal our breath. Caribbean blue stills our hearts. Newborn babies stir our tears. Lifelong love bejewels our lives. But take all these away—strip away the sunsets, oceans, cooing babies, and tender hearts—and leave us in the Sahara, and we still have reason to dance in the sand. Why? Because God is with us.

This devo was so profound to me this morning – spoke to just my own situation. Thought maybe you would be blessed too. From my Jesus Calling.

“Approach problems with a light touch. When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me. You pit yourself against the difficulty as if you had to conquer it immediately. Your mind gears up for battle, and your body becomes tense and anxious. Unless you achieve total victory, you feel defeated.

There is a better way. When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me. Talk with Me about it and look at it in the Light of My Presence. This puts some much-needed space between you and your concern, enabling you to see from My perspective. You will be surprised at the results. Sometimes you may even laugh at yourself for being so serious about something so insignificant.

You will always face trouble in this life. But more importantly, you will always have Me with you, helping you to handle whatever you encounter. Approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in My revealing Light.”

” Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.” Psalm 89:15 the message

“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33 the message

It’s been a while. I know. Sorry about that, but that’s just the way it’s been lately…..was doing my devotional this morning (Jesus Calling), and wanted to share with you. Will catch up with you more later…..

“Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely – even thanking Me for them – is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.

When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.”

James 1:2-4 “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” the message

Psalm 107:21-22 ” So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
tell the world what he’s done—sing it out!” the message

Happy Friday to you – may we truly thank God for His marvelous love today!

I’ve been thinking a lot about our condition. Our drought. The other night, a storm blew in – high winds, dark clouds, the deep roar of thunder, and SUCH a lightning show! ALL the components of a great storm……..except rain. That’s right, in our little area of our big metropolitan area, we got not ONE drop of rain! It was such a tease! I was so ready for this great storm, and nothing. ever. came……..When you’ve gone as long as we have without rain, you long for it. You need it desperately. And nothing else can satisfy. nothing.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the other components of the storm. Took so many pictures. Ran from window to window, porch to porch. Stayed glued to radar. But I missed what I had been truly longing for. the rain that I so needed to hear on my roof failed to fall.

Folks, let’s not do this in our spiritual lives! Let’s pinpoint NOW the One Thing that will satisfy our drought, and chase after Him day after day after day. Let’s soak in His Word. Let’s surround ourselves with others who love Him too. Spend time in prayer. And let’s participate in worship services that help us to feed that need as well. You know, gathering with others in corporate time of worship and study. Chasing after anything else will leave us wanting.

I’ve talked to you about this before, but my morning devotional called Jesus Calling has been one thing God has used to focus my eyes on Him each morning. I love it, and love the verses that are mentioned for each day, too. I usually in my time with Him, look those up in the Message, for a change from my regular ESV, or NIV Bible. So, here is the word that I got this morning from that very book. enjoy. and drink deeply……

“Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm – your Peace in My Presence – need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.

Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.”

John 16:33-(really 31-33) Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

Psalm 105:4 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered—
O seed of Abraham, his servant,
O child of Jacob, his chosen.

John 14:25-27 – I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.